Kyiv no longer has queues and sub-queues for power cuts. DTEK Kyiv Electric Networks said that a personal schedule is now generated for each address, Interfax-Ukraine reported on 13 October.

So the queue number Kyivans used to memorise no longer means anything. You need to look up your own street and building number.

Why neighbouring buildings are switched off at different times

According to the company, because of the way the grid is fed, neighbouring buildings can be disconnected at different times. A neighbour’s, friend’s or relative’s schedule from another district will not fit you, even if they live a few blocks away. A screenshot from an old chat or a message in the building’s group may also be out of date.

Where to check the schedule

You can find out when power will be cut in your building in several ways:

  • on the DTEK Kyiv Electric Networks website, in the planned and emergency outages section;
  • in DTEK’s Telegram and Viber chatbots;
  • in the Kyiv Digital app.

To find your address, enter the street name, pick it from the list, then enter the building number. If the service asks, add the flat number too.

The schedule is a guideline, not a guarantee

DTEK stresses that the daily schedule is a guideline. The volume of restrictions depends on the situation in the energy system and may change because of attacks, damage to infrastructure, accidents and new instructions from Ukrenergo. The schedule may be adjusted during the day, and in case of a critical shortage of power, emergency outages that are not in the schedule are possible.

So it is worth checking your schedule in the morning and again in the evening, especially if work, study or medical equipment at home depends on electricity.

What to prepare in advance

  • Charge phones and power banks before the outage begins.
  • Prepare a torch or a battery-powered lamp and a supply of drinking water.
  • Unplug appliances that are dangerous when power suddenly returns: cookers, irons and heaters.
  • Do not open the fridge unnecessarily: closed, it keeps the cold longer.
  • Download documents and maps so they are available offline.

If your address is not in the schedule

Some buildings may not appear in the search. In that case, report it through the relevant section of the DTEK Kyiv Electric Networks website and contact your building manager or the homeowners’ association, who will check the internal networks.

The Kyiv region is served by a different operator: DTEK Kyiv Regional Electric Networks. If you live outside the city, look for the schedule in its services.